Holiday Pastry

by Rita Richardson

In Sweden, St. Lucy's day is celebrated to mark the beginning of Christmas season. On December 13, the youngest daughter traditionally wears a wreath in her hair, with 4 candles attached, and serves St. Lucia buns made with a saffron flavored yeast dough. So light the candles and enjoy this easy-to- prepare snack or light supper.

Holiday pastry
1 pound pizza dough or thaw a package of puff pastry
Roll out the dough/unfold the pastry (1 sheet)
Dilute 1 tablespoon of grainy mustard
"Paint" the dough with mustard to add bite and flavor
Layer sliced ham, cheese, and tomatoes onto the dough
Top with remaining rolled dough or pastry
Pinch the edges and glaze with an egg wash (1 egg; 1 tablespoon water)
Make a small slit in the top for the steam to escape. Chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator then bake in a hot 400 oven for 20-25 minutes or until brown. Can be served hot, warm or at room temperature.

Cinnamon crescents
1 tube crescent rolls
1/4 cup melted butter/margarine
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar

Form rolls then dip into butter, then into cinnamon, sugar mix. Bake as directed. Serve nice and warm from the oven with hot coffee, hot chocolate or cold milk. Thank you, St. Lucy.

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